You Have to Think for Yourself to Become Calmer
The pull of society is strong...very strong. But if you want to live a more purposeful life then you need to know that no society dictates what you do.
I have been reading a great book, The Leap, by Steven Parker. The subtitle give you an idea of what it is about; the psychology of spiritual awakening.
In the book he talks about the transformation from sleep to wakefulness. Very roughly put, sleep is our day to existence, steeped in ego, thinking we are simply individuals. Wakefulness is a consciousness that we are all united, every living thing living in unity, and when we drop our preconceived beliefs we become happier.
Steven is wildly more articulate that I am on the topic, so I would encourage you to read his latest book. I am even more excited to have him on ZEN commuter next week.
I bring up the book to point out something that both of us believe, that the lives we are living are not the only lives. When we expand out minds and challenge our thoughts about our how we live, we grow.
You exist in a world that is constantly telling you how to be, how to behave.
- White teeth make you attractive
- a steady 9 -5 job is the best thing for stability
- You matter as long as you are thin
- Create wealth and experience happiness and security, etc.
These are beliefs that have become part of our culture. However, you don't need to adhere to cultural or societal beliefs. You have a grander reason for being here on this Earth. When you understand that reason, you thrive, you become happier.
That comes from questioning the beliefs that bombard you.
Today I want you to try something. Every time you are faced with a belief, thought or way of doing something, I want you to ask yourself three questions.
- Is this fact or someone's perception?
- Does it resonate as true in my being?
- Why am I being ask to believe this? Does it serve someone else or is it strictly for my benefit?
When you start to live life according to your own values and beliefs you live a more authentic life, and in doing so become calmer.
That's what it is all about.